The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata looks to be coming to an end as Napoli move closer to a deal for the Spaniard, reports the Mirror.
It would mean a reunion for Mata with Rafael Benitez, who made the 25-year-old the focal point of the Blues team when the former Liverpool boss was in charge as an interim last season.
Yet since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge the Spain international has – inexplicably in many peoples’ eyes – become a bit part player.
The Portuguese coach has openly admitted that the 50-year-old prefers Oscar in the No.10 role behind the striker and it’s meant that Mata has started just 14 games in all competitions this term.
Ever since it became apparent that the Spanish star was not a key player in Mourinho’s plans there has been significant interest in the attacking midfielder, with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Juventus all interested.
Yet the west London club will not allow Mata to join another Premier League team and whilst Inter Milan have also shown signs of making a move in recent times, it’s Napoli that now lead the chase.
As much as Mourinho is a revered figure at the Bridge, the departure of a midfielder voted player of the season two years running will understandably not be welcomed.
On the other hand, with six top-class attacking midfielders at the club currently it is always going to be difficult to keep everyone happy.
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